Arts & Entertainment
Oscars 2020 surprises with diversity, a queer opening
From Monae and Porter, Judy and Elton
The 92nd annual Academy Awards started off with a bang, with gender fluid, pansexual singer/actress Janelle Monae and the illustrious gay actor/singer Billy Porter killing it in their opening duet. Amid performers dressed as characters from snubbed films, she sang: “It’s time to come alive, because the Oscars is so white!”
Watching the extraordinary Monae perform, the influence of Prince on her music is evident. “I’m so proud to stand here as a black, queer artist, telling stories,” she noted.
Another highlight during the evening was the eloquent Joaquin Phoenix, accepting his award for Best Actor in “The Joker.”
“I’ve been thinking a lot about some of the distressing issues that we are facing, collectively, and I think at times we feel or are made the feel that we champion different causes,” he asserted. “But for me, I see commonality,”
Phoenix continued: “I think whether we’re talking about gender inequality, or racism or queer rights or indigenous rights or animal rights, we’re talking about the fight against injustice. We’re talking about the fight against the belief that one nation, one people, one race, one gender or one species has the right to dominate, control and use and exploit another with impunity.”
Renee Zellweger, who won Best Actress for her portrayal of Judy Garland in the film Judy, was circumspect in her acceptance about Judy’s iconic stature in the gay community, mentioning only that Judy was accepting of people. It was evident though she had intended a more full inclusion.
“Judy Garland did not receive this honor in her time,” the actress continued. “I am certain that this moment is an extension of the celebration of her legacy that began on our film set and is also representative of the fact that her legacy of unique exceptionalism and inclusivity and generosity of spirit, it transcends any one artistic achievement. Ms. Garland, you are certainly among the heroes who unite and define us and this is certainly for you. I am so grateful.”
GLAAD live-tweeted the awards
“@TaikaWaititi, who won adapted screenplay tonight at #Oscars, is next going into an adaptation of the documentary “Next Goal Wins” about the Samoan soccer team who made history. And then into “Thor: Love and Thunder” where Valkyrie will “find her queen.”
Elton John Wins!
Elton John was excited to win Best Song for “Rocketman,” the film that’s based on his life.
“This is for my partner of 53 years,” he said in the pressroom. “Without him, I wouldn’t be here. He starts the process. He gives me the lyrics, and then I go ahead. Without the lyrics, I’m nobody. This is the man who started the journey, and we are still together after 53 years. I have one of these already, but I so wanted to get one for everybody involved in the film.”
He added: This film has taken 12 years together. David, my husband, has been on and on about 12 years trying to get this made. In the end, we got it made the right way, the way we wanted to. I’m so thrilled for him, because I love him so much. And Taron Egerton especially — he should have been in the the nominated category, as one of the best actors. For me, his was the best performance this year.”
At Elton John’s annual AIDS fundraiser for his foundation, celebrity chef Wayne Elias, one-half of the team behind Crumble Catering and Rockwell Table & Stage in Los Feliz, was hard at work creating amazing, unique dishes for party attendees.
“We keep the menu current to healthy trends; I like to include Asian and French Cuisines and consider them classic meals that will also exist,” Chef Elias told Los Angeles Blade.
“In order to create a menu that encompasses every guest, I do not use any nuts in any of the dishes, in case of an allergy and source the best ingredients and produce from local farmers in California,” Elias said.
There were some fun items for the party menu, like zucchini fritters with tahini yogurt and espellette oil for starters, following with a parsnip and Granny Smith apple soup, a vegan option.
“We served a soup that is topped off with kale chips and lemon zest oil,”said Elias. “Guests could choose between a roasted branzino with cauliflower puree and watercress emulsion entree or short rib with caramelized yams, celery root mash, beech mushrooms and dijon shallot sauce.”
An arugula salad served with manchego cheese and citrus vinaigrette, while a pear raspberry tart with pear mousse, raspberry cream and matcha ice cream finishes off the dinner.
Elias knows he must serve Elton John’s very favorite dishes . “Top of the list is the beloved Grilled Cheese, a favorite throughout the years. It’s what I call an Adult Grilled Cheese, as it’s prepared on raisin bread and served with mascarpone cheese, crumble blue cheese and Asian pears. Simply rich and delicious!”
On The Carpet
Gay celebrity stylist Michael O’Connor talked with Los Angeles Blade about all the Oscar red carpet excitement. “I am loving the richness of color; the jewel tones are always the most flattering to skin tones and striking to see. Examples of this are in Sigourney Weaver wearing emerald green, America Ferrera in garnet and Idina Menzel in fuchsia. Christy Metz also looked incredible in ruby red.”
O’Connor loved how glamorous the red carpet was. “I loved Salma Hayek with her Grecian Goddess inspired look, complete with a bejeweled laurel hair ornament. Rebel Wilson looked SO exquisite. I really enjoyed her swept over hair with jeweled clip. Jason Woo gown and Vintage Pomellato jewelry.”
Many of the male celebrities at the Oscars were a fantastic sight to see too. “I thought Spike Lee looked great wearing his amethyst and golden tux. We are starting to see more jewelry on men, lapel pins being a very popular trend on the red carpet. Antonio Banderas is wearing a really nice ‘man brooch,’ O’Connor enthused.
The veteran stylist is thrilled that Hollywood in embracing more jewelry. “I love the bling; it adds so much glamor and completes a look. We are also seeing a lot more necklaces, which I really like. Julia Louis Dreyfus is wearing a lovely statement necklace. And Janelle Monae was so amazingly sparkly with her bejeweled dress and choker necklace. I LOVED the look!”
Still, O’Connor did see a few fashion faux pas. “I have to say, that as a gay man, Billy Porter’s outfit is so over the top that it makes me nervous. I realize that the pendulum sometimes needs to be pushed hard to get it into a right place, but I feel that his golden bird feather top and patterned skirt is just too contrived and over the top.
“I know that men’s fashion needs a push, but don’t push it off the cliff!” O’Connor quipped.
Gift Bags
Distinctive Assets indulged the major Oscar® nominees with the annual “Everyone Wins” Nominee Gift Bags, which have become the most buzzed about swag in history. This year’s gift bonanza features Soma’s Sensuous Silk Kimono Robes along with SOMAINNOFIT™ smart-fit bra; a one-of-a-kind private in-home cannabis-infused chocolate culinary experience by Coda Signature; gold and silver signature Moon bead bracelets from Officina Bernardi; health, nutrition and longevity programs from ProLon; and a discovery voyage aboard the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse expedition yacht.
“One of the greatest joys in life is to do something you love,” said Lash Fary, the company’s gay owner. “I have been so fortunate to do just that for 21 years now. In recent years, I have been able to use my access to talent and brand relationships to help organizations doing good in the world to amplify their messages.”
Fary loves to have gifts for celebrities that give back in meaningful ways. “I am able to publicize PETA’s incredible efforts to increase awareness about the connection between animal agriculture and climate change, through partnerships with DIFF Charitable Eyewear and Veestro Plant-Based Meals.”
So much detail goes into creating these gift bags, Fary said. “I often feel like a kid in my own candy store, as i go through the gift bags my team creates. I genuinely use and love so many of the items I share …like the ProLon fasting mimicking meal program, Instytutum Result Driven Skincare, Flora Farms field to table restaurant in Cabo, and Soma’s Sensuous Silk Kimono Robe.”
One of the exciting items in Fary’s gift bag is Origin Stretch Spa, which is owned by a gay couple, and are gifting a day of pampering.
“I’m excited to participate in the ‘Everyone Wins” Nominee Gift Bags because it gives me the opportunity to educate even more people about the benefits of IV Therapy,” said owner Garrett BellRios.
“Actors – much like athletes and performers – are always on the go and their systems get run down, BellRios noted. “They’re not getting enough sleep, working too much, always on airplanes and breathing recycled air. Through IV Therapy and vitamin injections, I can customize their protocol using European homeopathic remedies and treat their specific symptoms. So many of my clients now tell me, ‘I haven’t been sick in ages.’ And my treatment is mobile, can be done anywhere and they often feel better immediately.”
Oscar Gifting Lounges
Doris Bergman’s 12th Annual Valentine Oscar Luxury Lounge & Party was held at Weho hotspot, Fig & Olive. There were lots of great gifts to choose from BeautyStat Cosmetics, Precious Vodka, BuyWine.com, Pachamama, My Saint My Hero, Twisted Silver and Appletinis.
In the spirit of giving back, guests and sponsors made monetary donations and/or donated unwrapped gifts for young adults (ages 13-18) for a Gift Drive benefiting ‘Wednesday’s Child’ — a weekly segment airing on KTTV FOX 11 News with anchor Christine Devine. Bergman always invites beloved foster children to join in on the festivities and experience what it feels like to be treated as a VIP.
Shann Christen, celebrity stylist and owner of a hair loss clinic and full service salon and ColorBar on Westwood Blvd, gifted his biology based, dual shampoo system, BioMethod.
“It was exciting to meet all the celebrities at this years event. Any day is a good day when you get your photo taken with Richard Grieco! Miles Tagtmeyer never fails to be charming and it was fun to do ‘boomerangs with the Social Media Guru.”
Business and lifestyle influencer and ambassador in the LGBTQ space, Chad Brittian, was happy to meet all the vendors attending. “I was quite impressed with the diversity and overall inclusion of brands. There were quite a few companies that I could see myself aligning with on an influencer branding basis.”
True Gold Honey’s line of all/natural honey was delicious and packaged in a beautifully designed and well-branded wooden box, Brittian noted. “No attention to detail was missed which I can really appreciate from a branding and marketing perspective. I also received a warm welcome from Bio Method and can appreciate the time, energy and passion Shann has for his products. I am thoroughly looking forward to a collaboration with his brand in the future.”
At GBK Productions, Brittian met Dapper & Dashing custom clothing for men and women. “They had a beautifully designed area that was welcoming and really showcased their brand. I am hopeful to partner with them for future events and I definitely can see a lot if potential and look forward to seeing how this brand grows.”
Owned by a gay couple, John Kelly Chocolates also had a great time at the GBK gifting suite. “We have a fairly large celebrity clientele, being located in Hollywood, and it was nice to see some people who already know about us as well as make some new friends,” Kelly said.
At the suite, they gifted the 8-pc assortment box filled with their most popular flavors, inviting celebs to come visit them at their chocolate factory. “Our chocolate really is unique and has something special, and it was fun seeing celebrities have that visceral reaction when they tasted it.”
She Phillips, who owns Scenterprises, gifted numerous celebrities her unique perfumes. “Marcus Gay Harden chose a Woodsy and Spicy perfume and was excited by the combination of these lovely scents. I love this one as it has a hint of exotic spices.. soft…alluring and proactive”!
Theater
Out actor talks lead role in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’
Signature Theatre production runs through Jan. 25
‘Fiddler on the Roof’
Through Jan. 25
Signature Theatre
4200 Campbell Ave.
Arlington, Va.
Tickets start at $47
Sigtheatre.org
Out actor Ariel Neydavoud is deep into a three-month run playing revolutionary student Perchick in the beloved 1964 musical “Fiddler on the Roof” at Signature Theatre in Arlington. And like his previous gigs, it’s been a learning experience.
This time, he’s gleaning knowledge from celebrated gay actor Douglas Sills who’s starring as the show’s central character Tevya, a poor Jewish milkman in the fictional village of Anatevka in tsarist Russia circa 1905.
In addition to anti-Semitism and expulsion, Tevya is struggling with waning traditions in a changing world where his daughters dare suggest marrying for love. Daughter Hodel (Lily Burka) falls for Perchick, an outsider who comes to town brandishing new ideas.
In addition to its compelling and humor filled storyline, “Fiddler” boasts iconic numbers like “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”
Neydavoud, born and raised as an only child in the West Los Angeles neighborhood lightheartedly referred to as Tehrangeles (due to the large Iranian-American population), has always been passionate about performing. “It’s like I came out of the womb tap dancing,” he says. Fortunately, his mother, an accomplished pianist and composer, served as built-in accompanist.
He began acting and singing at kid camps and a private Jewish middle school alongside classmate Ben Platt. In his teens, Neydavoud spent three glorious weeks at Stagedoor Manor, a well-known theater camp in Upstate New York, where he solidified his desire to pursue theater as a profession, and started to feel comfortable with being queer.
Following high school, he studied at AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy) and soon after morphed from theater student to professional actor.
WASHINGTON BLADE: Your entry into showbiz seems to have been a smooth one.
ARIEL NEYDAVOUD: I’m happy to hear it seems that way. I’d rarely describe anything about this profession as smooth; nonetheless, what I love about this work is that it gives opportunities to have so many new experiences: new shows, new parts, and new communities who come together in a moment’s notice purely for the sake of creating art.
BLADE: Tell us about Perchick.
NEYDAVOUD: He comes to Anatevka and challenges their ideals and way of life. That’s something I can relate to.
I’m Jewish on both sides, but I’m also queer, first generation American, [his mother and father are from Germany and Iran, respectively], and a person of color. I never feel like I belong to a single community. That’s what has emboldened my inner activist to speak up and challenge ideas that I don’t necessarily buy into.
BLADE: You sing beautifully. Perchick’s song is “Now I have Everything,” an Act II melody about finding love. Was it an instant fit for you?
NEYDAVOUD: Not instantly.I’m traditionally a first tenor. Perchick is baritone range, a little outside of my comfort zone. After being cast, I asked our director Joe Calarco if he would be comfortable raising the key, something they did with the recent Broadway revival. He was firm about not doing that.
As an artist I see challenges as opportunities to grow, so it’s been really good exploring my lower register.
BLADE: Audiences have commented on an intimacy surrounding this production.
TK: It’s performed in the round with a dining table at its center. It could be a sabbath or seder table, however you interpret it, but I find it a brilliant way to illustrate community and tradition.
It feels like the audience is invited to the table and join the residents of Anatevka. The show’s moments of joy like the betrothal song “To Life (L’Chaim)” are intensified, and conversely the pogrom scenes are made more difficult. It feels like we’re sharing space.
BLADE: Do your encompassing identities broaden casting possibilities for you?
NEYDAVOUD: Marketing yourself as ethnically ambiguous can be a helpful tool. After “Hamilton” and the pandemic there was more of a shift toward authenticity. I try to steer toward playing Middle Eastern, Southwest Asian, Jewish, and mixed-race characters without being too prescriptive.
BLADE: Tell us your dream roles?
NEYDAVOUD: I’d love to play the Emcee in Cabaret [often portrayed as a gender-fluid, queer-coded, or non-binary figure]. And I’d like to direct a production of “Godspell” with a fully Middle Eastern cast. I think portraying Jesus and disciples in Middle Eastern bodies as Bohemian idealists living under an oppressive regime could be especially impactful.
BLADE: Can today’s queer audiences relate to life on the shtetl?
NEYDAVOUD: As a piece, “Fiddler” is timeless. Beyond the magical score, it hits home with just about anyone who’s ever felt othered. There are relevant themes of displacement and persecution, and maintaining cultural identity in the wake of turbulence, all ideas that tend to resonate with queer people.
Books
This gay author sees dead people
‘Are You There Spirit? It’s Me, Travis’
By Travis Holp
c.2025, Spiegel and Grau
$28/240 pages
Your dad sent you a penny the other day, minted in his birth year.
They say pennies from heaven are a sign of some sort, and that makes sense: You’ve been thinking about him a lot lately. Some might scoff, but the idea that a lost loved one is trying to tell you he’s OK is comforting. So read the new book, “Are You There, Spirit? It’s Me, Travis” by Travis Holp, and keep your eyes open.
Ever since he was a young boy growing up just outside Dayton, Ohio, Travis Holp wanted to be a writer. He also wanted to say that he was gay but his conservative parents believed his gayness was some sort of phase. That, and bullying made him hide who he was.
He also had to hide his nascent ability to communicate with people who had died, through an entity he calls “Spirit.” Eventually, though it left him with psychological scars and a drinking problem he’s since overcome, Holp was finally able to talk about his gayness and reveal his otherworldly ability.
Getting some people to believe that he speaks to the dead is still a tall order. Spirit helps naysayers, as well as Holp himself.
Spirit, he says, isn’t a person or an essence; Spirit is love. Spirit is a conduit of healing and energy, speaking through Holp in symbolic messages, feelings, and through synchronistic events. For example, Holp says coincidences are not coincidental; they’re ways for loved ones to convey messages of healing and energy.
To tap into your own healing Spirit, Holp says to trust yourself when you think you’ve received a healing message. Ignore your ego, but listen to your inner voice. Remember that Spirit won’t work on any fixed timeline, and its only purpose is to exist.
And keep in mind that “anything is possible because you are an unlimited being.”
You’re going to want very much to like “Are You There, Spirit? It’s Me, Travis.” The cover photo of author Travis Holp will make you smile. Alas, what you’ll find in here is hard to read, not due to content but for lack of focus.
What’s inside this book is scattered and repetitious. Love, energy, healing, faith, and fear are words that are used often – so often, in fact, that many pages feel like they’ve been recycled, or like you’ve entered a time warp that moves you backward, page-wise. Yes, there are uplifting accounts of readings that Holp has done with clients here, and they’re exciting but there are too few of them. When you find them, you’ll love them. They may make you cry. They’re exactly what you need, if you grieve. Just not enough.
This isn’t a terrible book, but its audience might be narrow. It absolutely needs more stories, less sentiment; more tales, less transcendence and if that’s your aim, go elsewhere. But if your soul cries for comfort after loss, “Are You There, Spirit? It’s Me, Travis” might still make sense.
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a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
Out actor talks lead role in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’
This gay author sees dead people
Holiday week brings setbacks for Trump-Vance trans agenda
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
